Marble is a luxurious and sophisticated stone that offers a classic touch to any home. It has been used for centuries for a wide variety of purposes, including statues, pillars, and buildings. Since marble is a more porous stone, acids can stain the surface. Therefore, stone should be sealed regularly for continuous protection.
Marble is perhaps the most timeless and widely loved natural stone in the world, with a long history of use in floors, countertops and other applications. Its distinctive, classic appearance and one-of-a-kind luxury make it a sought-after option for surfaces around the home. If you’re considering installing marble countertops or marble tile in your house, read on. Let’s dive into what marble looks like and explore your range of options as far as color, pattern and finish.
What Is Marble?
Marble is a type of metamorphic rock formed from limestone under intense pressure and heat. Marble’s characteristic veins and swirling patterns come from impurities of various minerals, including silt, iron oxide, magnesium and sand, which crystallize in stunning patterns within the stone.
Compared to hard stones like granite and quartzite, marble is a relatively soft and porous natural stone. It can be susceptible to scratching, etching and staining, but a quality marble sealant and careful maintenance can help prevent damage and keep your marble counters looking beautiful for years to come.
What Does Marble Look Like?
Marble has a smooth, soft appearance with scattered veining patterns ranging from subtle and delicate to bold and dramatic. While white is the predominant color in many varieties of marble, it comes in a variety of other hues as well. Common marble colors include:
- White: Of course, white is the traditional color that comes to mind when one thinks “marble.” Many of the most classic varieties of Italian marble, like Carrara and Calacatta marble, are white in color with soft, light grey veining throughout. Even pure white marble is available with varieties like Salt White Extra. For homeowners who love the luxury of white marble, it’s a stunning choice that will likely never go out of style.
- Grey & Black: Marble can also be mostly grey in color, with varieties like Bardiglio that feature varying shades mixed in a swirling vein pattern for a unique and dramatic look. Then there’s the one-of-a-kind Negro Marquina, a distinctive, unusual black marble with white veins and spots scattered across its rich background. Grey or black marble is the perfect choice if you’re looking to make a big, bold visual impact with your kitchen countertops, fireplace surround or other surface.
- Cream & Gold: For a warm and natural ambiance, many varieties of marble have hues and undertones such as cream, sand and gold. From the soft, subtle ivory and beige of Ege Royale to the luxe quality of golden veins in Calacatta Gold, these tones bring warmth and richness to any space.
With marble, the options are more varied than you might have thought. In addition to these common colors, you may also see marble with hues including blue-grey and brown.
Why Install Marble Countertops?
Made from superheated limestone, marble is a highly porous surface. Marble is naturally softer than granite and isn’t recommended for kitchen use. Laundry, baths or showers are a better fit for marble. Although marble may see more wear and tear than granite or quartz, it also offers a more authentic and classic look. Depending on where the marble is mined, different tones and colors can be created. At Out of the Woods, we offer an unmatched selection of marble countertop colors and patterns.
Contact Out of the Woods Granite Today
We offer a lifetime guarantee on all of our marble countertops. If proper care is taken, these countertops often outlast the home. For marble countertops in Utah, contact Contact Us Out of the Woods today at (801) 336-4153.
